10K Race 4 F.I.S.H. still signing up participants
Registrations are still being accepted for an annual event to benefit F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva.
The 10th annual 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H. will take place on Oct. 27 at 7:30 a.m., with participants starting out and finishing at The Community House on Sanibel. Signups on race day will begin at 6:30 a.m.
The idea for the race was introduced in 2008 by then-F.I.S.H. Board Member Joel Soobitsky, but a severe thunderstorm forced its cancellation. Since the first event in 2009, it has been a success.
Ed Ridlehoover, event chair, explained that the race was F.I.S.H.’s first official fundraiser.
“We needed something as a fundraiser, as well as what our generous donors were giving,” he said.
Last year, a total of 325 runners registered – but only 284 people took part.
“(Hurricane) Irma was an issue for us. A lot of people didn’t come because of Irma, a lot of people didn’t sign up because of Irma,” Ridlehoover said. “We had almost 500 runners one year.”
He noted that most participants register in the two weeks leading up to the event.
“Then we get a bunch who sign up on the day of the race,” Ridlehoover said.
“It looks like we’re going to have a good turnout this year based on the preliminary numbers,” he added.
Measuring 6.2 miles, the race route will take participants east on Periwinkle Way, then south on Casa Ybel Road, following it as it turns into West Gulf Drive. Next, they head north at Tarpon Bay Road and west on Island Inn Road, later turning around. Runners will use the bike path to return to the building.
“It’s definitely scenic,” Ridlehoover said, adding that there are different running surfaces.
Asked about the positive attributes of the race, he cited the flat surface and cool morning weather.
“Number one, it’s on Sanibel,” Ridlehoover added.
Dogs and strollers are prohibited from taking part for safety reasons.
The event draws runners from as far away as outside of the state and even the country.
“We’ve had Germany, France (represented),” he said, adding that a prep school from Pennsylvania came one year and a Kansas City running group took part another year. “We’ve got some from Miami, it’s not just Lee County. A lot of people use it as a means to get down here prior to season starting.”
A spread of bagels and cream cheese, fruit, health bars and such, along with refreshments, will be available to the participants, courtesy of Bailey’s General Store and Billy’s Bikes & Rentals.
A total of 104 awarded will be handed out, including female and male overall, masters, grandmasters and senior grandmasters. Ridlehoover explained that these top level placers will receive trophies.
“And we’ve got age groups, from 9 and under, all the way up to 80 and older,” he said.
The first, second and third place winners in each of the 17 categories will earn a unique prize.
“We have sand dollars,” Ridlehoover said, noting that they contain the race details.
“Every runner that finishes,” he added. “They get a medallion that has the logo and the date on it.”
The Chrono Track B-Tag System will be used for the scoring and results.
Each year, a special “Hortoons” logo is designed and more than 100 volunteers help out.
“The volunteers are all the service clubs, plus F.I.S.H. volunteers,” Ridlehoover said.
Spectators are more than welcome to come out and watch.
“We’ve had several runners say that they really like it,” he said. “They cheer on the runners.”
On the day of the race, participants and spectators are invited to bring any unexpired and unopened non-perishable food items, paper products and toiletries, which will be accepted on behalf of F.I.S.H.
“There’s buckets provided at The Community House for any donations,” Ridlehoover said.
The entry fee is $35 or $40 on race day and includes an event T-shirt.
Advance packet pickup will be held on Oct. 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Run Florida, at 13101 McGregor Blvd., Suite 1, Fort Myers, or runners can pick up their packets on race day starting at 6:30 a.m.
The community is encouraged to take part in this year’s event in one form or another.
“It’s the centennial race,” he said. “And it’s unique from the standpoint that it’s on Sanibel.”
“The whole town views this as the beginning of season,” Ridlehoover added.
For more information and to register, visit www.ftmyerstrackclub.com.
Printable entry forms can be found at www.fishofsancap.org or www.ftmyerstrackclub.com.
For more on F.I.S.H., visit www.fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way.